ES1069493U - Games machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A games machine (1) includes a video display screen (10) with a transparent front screen (10) in front and a token passage (14) between display screen and front screen. Tokens or coins may be introduced through one or more token inlets (50,52) at the top of the token passage and the tokens fall under gravity through the token passage bouncing off a plurality of pins (16). The games machine is arranged to display one or more targets on the video display screen, the targets moving over time, and to record a hit when a token hits a pin or other target area at the time a target is displayed on the screen directly behind the pin or target area.

Description

Games machine.

Object of the invention

The invention relates to a game machine, and in particular to a game machine of the type in which a coin or token is entered at the top of a surface of play and falls down, deflected by one or more pegs so that the trajectory that the card takes is determined at least partially random.

Note that in this specification the term "token" is used to refer to both tokens specials without intrinsic value such as coins that can be used in general. Local law generally determines whether tokens should be used or coins in game machines.

Background of the invention

There are game machines of the technique anterior in which the chips fall on a tilted face or vertical and are deflected by pins. In gaming machines old of this type there is no variable display of no type.

US 5,951,009 describes a machine of games of this type with a display on the back of the face behind the falling chips.

Another type of game machine is the machine Pachinko games that is very popular in Japan. Balls are driven against a face and again they deflect by means of pegs.

JP 2005-66210 Describe a Pachinko game machine with a glass screen liquid behind the face of the pegs.

The plugs have shock sensors that they detect the impact of a ball against the pin, and when a ball hits a pin a collision image is shown on the screen located immediately behind the plug to indicate it

Another type of game machine is the machine "pusher." In such machines, the chips are inserted and They land on a playground. An oscillating "pusher" is move back and forth over the playing field by pushing the chips. The chips can fall on the edge of the playing field inside a victory ramp that delivers the chips that fall to the player. The player aspires to insert chips in a while determined and in such a way that the falling chips are maximized inside the victory ramp. Generally, it also They provide small loss ramps. The chips that fall inside of the loss ramps are collected by the holder of the installation as the percentage of earnings.

However, game machines are a competitive sector and there is a continuous desire for gaming machines improved to provide an enhancement of the experience of game and that are considered more "fun" by the users

Brief Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, provides a game machine according to claim 1. According to a second aspect of the invention, a machine of games according to claim 13. The optional features they are presented in the dependent claims. For brevity, no All optional features are represented as characteristics of the second aspect as claims subordinate to claim 13, although the characteristics of the claims subordinate to claim 1 also can be used in a game machine according to the second appearance.

Providing a continuous video screen behind the pins, the game machine according to the invention it can provide a huge empowerment of the experience of game. The player experiences moving targets shown by the video. Whites are not only located on the plugs, but the player can see a target that moves towards a particular plug and aim to introduce a coin at the time Timely to win.

On the contrary, in the game machine Pachinko of the prior art of the document JP2005-66210, all that is shown is a indication that a plug has been hit on the plug. Not only the screen does not show targets, but does not show anything in absolute that it moves smoothly on the screen. The Shock indications are only shown on the pins, that is, in discrete locations corresponding to the plugs. Of the Similarly, although US 5,951,009 describes objects in movement behind the pins, these are not white at all and they are not related at all to the game.

The game machine is also extremely flexible and the player can be presented with scenarios completely different just by reprogramming the game machine.

Preferably, a display screen contiguous is arranged behind all the plurality of plugs in The passing of chips. In this way, whites can move Gently down the screen behind and between the plugs. The screen it can be a single screen or be composed of several Sub-elements

In embodiments, the plugs depend on behind the transparent front screen. On the screen of transparent front can be provided a grid model conductive to connect with the plugs or sensors.

Embodiments include a token entry to put chips inside the game machine and a paid cup to pay one or more chips in the event of a hit.

There can be a plurality of token entries at the top of the chip step and a means to select through which card entry a card is entered in the step of chips.

The embodiments include a controller of game ready to operate the display screen video with changing images that include one or more whites, to receive signals from the pins indicating when they have been hit and to record a hit when a chip hits a plug at the moment a target is shown on the screen directly behind the plug.

Whites can have a simple value and Pay that value when they hit.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller game may be willing to show targets along with a indication of the value of the target and to pay a prize of value indicated when a stroke is recorded.

Many different types of targets are possible. For example, the game controller may show targets additional, you can record an additional hit on the target when a chip hits a pin at the moment a target additional is shown on the screen directly behind the plug and can take a predetermined measurement when recording the hit of the additional target.

The embodiments may also include a pusher apparatus including playing field and pusher at the base of the passing of chips to provide even more game.

Brief description of the figures

For a better understanding of the invention, embodiments will now be described merely by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a side cut through a game machine according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 is a frontal cut through the game machine of figure 1;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of the step of chips of the game machine of figure 1;

fig. 4 illustrates the input mechanisms of game machine tokens of figure 1;

fig. 5 is an example of a screen on the game machine of figure 1;

fig. 6 is a side cut of an arrangement of particular plug of a second embodiment;

fig. 7 is a side cut of a machine games according to a third embodiment of the invention; Y

fig. 8 is a front cut of a machine games according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Description of the invention

With reference to figures 1 to 3, a machine 1 of games has a housing 2 that includes several components.

On the front of the game machine 1 a display screen 10 located behind is provided of a front panel 12 to define a step 14 of tabs between the display screen 10 and front panel 12. In the embodiment, the display screen 10 is a display of Liquid crystal video display of flat panel and panel 12 front is transparent perspex so that screen 10 Display can be displayed through perspex. Whether requires other transparent materials can be used.

An array of pins 16 depends behind the Front panel 12 until step 14 of chips. A sensor 20 on the front panel 12 on each pin 16 to detect the presence of a chip in the respective pin 16. In the face rear of the front panel a grid of connections 18 is formed electrical connections to connect with sensors 20. A only contiguous display behind all pins 16. The Front panel 12 can be painted to hide the connections of the grid 18, for example painting a model in the front of the front panel in the same way as the grid 18.

Sensors and pins define regions 19 fixed white around each pin; if the currency is in the white region, the coin touches the plug and will cause the sensor. In view of the importance of white regions 19 for the game, they can be indicated by printing on panel 12 front, for example, a circular region printed around the plug, or a cross, or other shape.

Several different types of sensors For example, the sensor may be in the form of a sensor of vibration that detects the impact of a chip against the plug.

Alternatively, a sensor can be used. inductive that detects the presence of metal (that is, the chip) adjacent to the sensor.

A game controller 22 is provided in electrical connection with display screen 10, in addition to other components such as grid 18. For clarity, these Connections are not shown in the drawings. The game controller can be implemented using conventional computer components such as memory 24, a processor 26 and display chip 28 video in several known modes; therefore the Game controller will not be described in more detail.

A horizontal playing field 30 is provided under step 14 of chips so that the chips that fall by The passing of chips land on the playing field. A pusher 32 arranged for forward and backward movement reciprocal on the playing field. A ramp 34 of victory at the front of the playing field that communicates with a token tray 36. In use, the tabs in the field of game can fall forward inside the victory ramp 34 as a result of the reciprocal movement of the pusher, and these fall to the chip payment tray that represents the earnings of player.

Loss ramps can also be provided (not shown) to allow the tiles to fall from the field of play and divert them to the box or hoppers as required.

Several mechanisms of chip manipulation Two slots 40, 42 of chips, a slot 40 of left chips and a slot 42 of chips right. These are connected to the hopper 44 lift left and right lift hopper 46, respectively, of so that the tabs inserted in the slots 40, 42 of tabs left or right pass to hopper 44, 46 respective lift. Each lifting hopper 44, 46 includes a lifting mechanism 48 for bring the chips to the respective chip entries left 50 and right 52 in different positions at the top of the step 14 of chips. Therefore, the introduction of a file within the Slot 40, 42 of tabs left or right causes a tab to be Enter in the respective card entry.

Note that the lift hopper can be arranged not to take each card separately to the entrance of chips, but to remain in a superior position adjacent to token entry until the hopper is empty, only then collect more chips below. Alternatively, you can provide a separate upper hopper to feed Quickly chips to entries 50, 52 of chips.

The tabs entered into slot 40, 42 of left or right tokens are checked for validity and if refuse pass ramp 54 of chips rejected to cup 56 of payment.

Figure 4 illustrates slots 40, 42 of tabs, in addition to tray 36 for payment of chips.

A token mechanism 60 is provided separated for use with other chip values. For example, in the RU, the mechanism can use 10 pence coins and the introduction of a 20 pence file within the mechanism of tokens allows two tokens to be introduced without the need for that the user has change. Therefore, the entry of chips inside The token mechanism provides credit to the user. Whether requires, other means of payment can also be provided, by example, using a payment card such as a credit card or debit to allow users without appropriate change to use machine.

A left button 62 and a button are provided 64 right to enter a file through entry 50, 52 of left or right tabs, respectively, if the user has credit. This allows the user to select the token entry desired and time the introduction of the card.

A payment mechanism 66 is also provided. to pay tokens within cup 56 of payment in the event that I win.

A box 68 is provided to store the machine collection.

In use, game controller 22 is ready to display several objects 70 white on screen 10 video display, each having an area 74 of white defined, referred to hereafter to abbreviate a target. The image shown may represent a white object 70 greater than the white 74. The use of a video display screen 10 means that white objects can be arranged to move gently across the screen, not only from pin 16 to pin 16, but  continually. As will be appreciated, the smooth movement will be will represent by repeating frames with movements suitable targets 74 between frames.

A user can make a record 38 be insert into step 14 of tabs through or entry 50, 52 left or right tabs or by inserting an appropriate tab inside the respective card slot 40, 42 or inserting cards within the token mechanism to get a credit and then press the 60, 62 left or right button to make a tab is inserted by entry 50, 52 of tabs left or right, respectively. Figure 5 illustrates a record 38 entering for entry 50 of chips left.

Figure 5 illustrates a possible scenario of game with first 70 white objects that show a quantity variable of money, paid if the target is hit, and seconds alternative white 72 objects that cause a subgame to start when the alternative target is hit.

Then, the chip falls, bounces against the 16 pins as it does. When the chip hits a pin 16, the corresponding sensor 18 is activated and sends a signal to game controller 22. The game controller compares the location of the sensor 18 and hence the corresponding plug with the location of white area 74 on the screen of video display If the locations match, it is recorded a "victory" or "blow".

It will be seen in this embodiment that the objects white are not presented as simple targets, but as objects in the display screen that move around. Any object can be used as a white object. Note the distinction between white areas 74 on the video screen and regions 19 of fixed targets defined in this embodiment by the pin location. A hit occurs when the chip hit the plug, that is, hit the fixed white region 19, when this corresponds to an area 74 of white.

The measurement taken by the controller may vary of play in the case of a "hit". In fact, there may be Several targets of different types, with different effects. They can take one or more predetermined measures depending on the hit in the target.

A type of target can be a simple target that, when a "hit" is recorded, the payment mechanism 66 pays a cash value in cup 68 of payment.

A second possible type of white is a white which can show a variable cash value that changes with the weather. In this case, the value shown determines the value in cash paid by payment mechanism 66.

A third possible type of white is a white that produces some other action, not just a payment, but Take some other measure. For example, a subgame can be started using the display screen. Alternatively, the action it may be to change a value shown on the screen and hence the magnitude of a victory in some cases, or change the visualization in another way, or in fact any action as required by the game. In figure 5, the white "game 21s" It is of this type - hitting this target causes a start subgame- in this case the target is "21s", a type game black Jack.

Providing the additional game was made possible by combining screen 10 display of video and pins 16 that could increase the interest of the player.

All this functionality can be provided simply programming the game controller 22 with a program computer that can be easily changed.

Some or all white 70 may remain in a location for a period. Whites can appear, stay for a period of time and then disappear.

Whites do not need to be continuously in movement, but may stop briefly or under one plug or between pins. The movement of the targets can be Default or be random, as required.

The second embodiment is the same as the embodiment of figure 1, except as shown in figure 6. A transparent panel 80 of transparent perspex is provided in the front of display panel 10. Rear panel 10 includes a hole 82 in the location of the plug with a contact washer 84 in the hole and a contact ring 86 of brass on the rear face of the rear panel 80. One is provided Electrical connection 88 to brass contact ring 86.

The plug is mounted on panel 12 front on mounting ring 90 that supports pivot 92 horizontal which in turn supports the metal pin 16. The plug 16 passes through slot 98 in front panel 12. Other electrical connection 96 is connected to pivot 92 and thus to the pin 6. A counterweight 94 keeps pin 16 in position illustrated in which the plug is separated from ring 86 of brass contact so that there is no electrical connection between the pin 16 and brass contact ring 86. When a coin or tab hits the pin, makes the pin 16 rotate around of pivot 92 and contact the contact ring 86 brass and so the electrical connection is made.

This pin arrangement has proven to be particularly reliable in use.

Instead of the counterweight it can be used instead A small pier.

A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in figure 7. The third embodiment is considerably simpler than the first. As in the first embodiment, there is a video display 10, front panel 12 and step 14 of tabs, with pins 16 in step 14 of chips and being controlled the display 10 by game controller 22. One is provided 50 token entry at the top of the token pass, directly adjacent to the respective card slot 40, and the user simply inserts a chip into slot 40 of chips way that falls by the entry 50 of respective chips. Slot 40 of tokens can be a simple coin entry or a mechanism of More complex coins.

Although Figure 7 only shows one entry 50 of chips and slot 40 because it is a side cut, by of course there may be many more willing throughout the part top of the chip step, that is, the top of the display. If required, embodiments may also Include side entrances.

In addition, there is no pusher arrangement 30, 32 under step 14 of chips and the falling chips fall directly to hopper 80. Hopper 80 has an overflow directly to box 68. In the event that it is won, the chips are They pay from hopper 80 to cup 56 for payment.

As in the first embodiment, the controller 22 of the game generates targets 74 and the user deposits in this case chips and aspires to hit a peg when a target is behind of the plug that results in victory.

A fourth embodiment is illustrated in the figure. 8. In this embodiment a high coin feed is used of bucket instead of hoppers 44, 46 elevators described previously.

The chips inserted into the slots 40, 42 inlets are fed into the lower hoppers 75, 76 by ramps. Simultaneously, a chip is dropped by one of the upper hoppers 77, 78 through step 50, 52 of chips left and right respective to the play area.

An assembly 79 lifting spoon coins It is located behind the display and secured to the base of machine. Each time a chip is released from the hoppers higher than the playing area, a chip comes out of a hopper lower than the corresponding spoon 80, 81. When a number of chips programmed into a spoon, the lifting assembly of spoon coins rises, leans and empties into hoppers superiors to replenish them to a known value. Then I know lower the spoons to the position of the lower hopper to Collect more chips.

Aspects of the first to the fifth embodiment can be combined as required, for example, to include a pusher and top coin entry, or those more complex coin handling mechanisms of the first realization with the simple push-free display of the second. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are Many other combinations.

In addition, those experts in the field understand that the invention may incorporate alterations and Substitutions of the described components. For example, they can alternative coin entry mechanisms that include a coin mechanism of the type in which a user holds a vertical stack of coins in a vertical hole in the front panel of the machine, having an entry slot at the end top of the hole, and the coins enter being fed towards front inside the input slot.

Display technologies of video alternatives.

In addition, alternative means can be used to detect a chip in a region of fixed target 19.

In particular, optical sensors can be used. to detect when a token is present in region 19 of fixed white This provides the advantage that the location of the target region does not have to be in the same location as the plug Optical sensors can be provided in or around each pin to detect a coin that hits the plug. Optical sensors can be provided alternatively or additionally in other locations. Without However, the embodiments discussed above using sensors mechanics are currently preferred since it is harder to get absolute reliability using optical sensors that when used mechanical sensors

Claims (14)

1. A game machine, comprising: a video display screen (10); a transparent front screen separated from the video display screen (12) and substantially parallel to the video display screen that defines a step of tabs between the transparent front screen and the screen video display; a token entry (50) at the top of the step of cards to introduce cards so that they can fall by gravity due to the passing of chips; Y a plurality of pins (16) extending in the step of cards to divert the cards that pass through the step of tokens; characterized in that the game machine is arranged to show one or more targets (74) on the video display screen, the display of targets being not constant over time, and to record a stroke when a chip hits a pin at the moment in which a blank is shown on the screen behind the plug. 2. A game machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a game controller (22), the game controller being arranged to operate the video display screen (10) with changing images that include one or more whites (74), to receive signals from the plugs (16) that indicate when the plugs have been struck and to register a stroke when a chip hits a plug at the moment a target is shown on the screen directly behind the plug. 3. A game machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the game controller (22) is arranged to move at least one target (74) smoothly on the video display screen (10) over time. 4. A game machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the game controller (22) is arranged to display targets (74) together with an indication of the value of the target and to pay a prize of the indicator value when registering a knock. A game machine according to claim 2, 3 6 4, characterized in that the game controller (22) is arranged to show a plurality of types of targets (74) and to take a respective predetermined measurement depending on the type of hit in the target when a hit of white is recorded. A game machine according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a single contiguous display screen (10) is arranged behind all the plurality of pins in the chip passage. A game machine according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a pivot (92) supported on the transparent front screen (12) around which each pin (16) can rotate, and each pin extends along a contact ring (84) in the other part of the chip passage to the transparent front screen, in which the pin (16) is diverted to a first position separated from the contact ring until a coin hits the pin causing the plug rotate and contact the ring
Contact. A game machine according to claim 7, characterized in that each pin has a counterweight (94) in front of the pivot arranged to deflect the pin to the first position separated from the contact ring. 9. A gaming machine according to any preceding claim characterized in that it further comprises a conductive grid model in the transparent front screen that connects with the plugs. 10. A game machine according to any preceding claim characterized in that it further comprises an entry of chips to insert chips into the game machine and a payment cup to pay one or more chips in the event of a stroke. 11. A game machine according to any preceding claim characterized in that it has a plurality of token entries at the top of the token pass and a means for selecting through which token entry a token is entered into the token pass. 12. A game machine according to any preceding claim characterized in that it further comprises a horizontal playing field at the bottom of the chip passage arranged so that the chips passing through the chip pass can land on the playing field; a victory ramp adjacent to the horizontal playing field so that the chips that enter the victory ramp result in a victory; and a pusher arranged for the oscillating movement on the playing field. 13. A game machine according to claim one, characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of fixed target regions (19); Y because the game machine also includes a game controller arranged to show one or more targets (74) on the video display screen, the white display over time, and to record a hit when a chip hits a region of fixed target (19) in the moment when a target (74) is shown on the screen in the fixed target regions (19). 14. A game machine according to claim 13 characterized in that the game controller (22) is arranged to show a plurality of types of targets (74) and to take a respective predetermined measurement depending on the type of hit on the target when recording A hit on the target.